LINN COUNTY, Kan. (December 23, 2025) — The Linn County community is mourning the loss of a 13-year-old juvenile that was reported missing to Linn County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, December 21.
The Sheriff’s Office received the report of the missing juvenile at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Sunday, and once it was confirmed that the juvenile was missing, the Sheriff’s Office, along with Linn County Emergency Management, immediately started initiating a large-scale search effort. Multiple agencies assisted, including the Pleasanton Police Department, Linn County Rural Fire, Anderson County Fire, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bates County Sheriff’s Office from Missouri.
Search teams covered a large, wooded area with multiple bodies of water, as well as a lake community consisting of homes, trailers, and outbuildings. To ensure the safety of responders, the search was suspended at approximately 2:00 a.m. because of the dangerous conditions and difficult terrain.
According to Linn County Sheriff’s Office, family members and friends were contacted throughout the night, but no additional information was obtained. Search efforts resumed at first light. LNSO and Linn County Emergency Management coordinated the resources necessary for a large-scale search, with multiple agencies responding to assist, including the Pleasanton Police Department, Linn County Rural Fire, Anderson County Fire, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bates County Sheriff’s Office from Missouri. The search was also supported by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) team.
Later that morning an assisting agency shared information, which led to the search transitioning into a recovery investigation.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” Linn County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Our community is mourning this heartbreaking loss, and we respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honored as they grieve.”
To ensure a thorough and transparent process, the Kansas City, KS PD will be leading the investigation with assistance from the KBI Crime Scene Response Team.
More information will be shared as it is available.
